For homebuyers the Ocala market has become somewhat of an adventure. While we are in a blazing sellers market, we also see an unusual opportunity for homebuyers. Because interest rates continue rise, monthly payments are less affordable than they have been. Therefore, this is an extraordinary real estate market to navigate. However, waiting for a more stable market may not be a sound strategy. So how is a wise homebuyer to proceed?
The market for Ocala single family homes is on fire. The inventory of homes for sale in a stable real estate market hovers at near a six month supply. But today our market is far from stable. Our inventory has fallen to a one month’s supply or a little more. Therefore, if you are seriously interested in upsizing, downsizing or simply becoming a homeowner, you must prepare to act quickly and aggressively. To buy a home in Ocala, you must set appropriate expectations and prepare to act.
SIMULTANEOUS HOME CLOSING: SAME TIME BUY & SELL Navigating the buy-sell balancing act can be more than just stressful, it can be down right daunting. After all, it’s a complex situation. The challenge? Selling your home at a great great price, while securing a sweet deal on the one you will buy to replace it. … Read more
The ever-evolving world of Ocala home styles is exciting indeed. 2024 is predicted to usher in a refreshing blend of bold statements and intimate, social settings. As we continue to tailor our homes to our post-pandemic lifestyles, we will see a resurgence of personal expression. Of course, this creativity will be coupled with a renewed … Read more
To make an Ocala winning offer, you must balance price and terms carefully. Our market is evolving and many factors are interacting to make Ocala a great place to invest in real estate. Some of these are two edged swords. For example, while interest rates have stabilized, they are significantly higher than a year or … Read more
Create the Ocala spa bathroom you dream of. Follow these tips to add value to your home by making your bathroom a luxury escape.1 Ahhh, the spa. For some of us, it’s been too long since we’ve gone to a real spa. We miss the luxury of a hot tub soak and the power of … Read more
With interest rates significantly higher than in the recent past, here are some interest rate hack strategies that will help you to bridge the gap. If you were ready to buy before rates increased, don’t give up on your dreams. Employing one or more of these strategies may allow you to make them a reality! … Read more
The Ocala spring housing market is upon us. Of course, once upon a time, we lived in a dream real estate market. Homes were appreciating quickly, jobs were plentiful and both inflation and interest rates were at record lows. In short, the economy was thriving and homeowners were building wealth at an unsustainable pace. But … Read more
We have seen Ocala real estate surging. Actually, that statement speaks more to the future and the immediate past than to today. But there is no doubt in my mind that the future of our real estate market is exceptionally bright. Fortunately, people like Larry Roberts are betting with me. Mr. Roberts is the logistics … Read more
So you feel like it’s time to move. But you keep asking yourself, should I sell my Ocala house now? After all, there is so much family history in your home. There are so many memories packed within its four walls, not to mention all of your stuff. Here are a few thoughts you may … Read more
Our Ocala real estate investment forecast points to this area being at the vortex of a perfect storm. The economic forces generated by the amazing efforts of our Chamber & Economic Partnership and the opening of the World Equestrian Center create extraordinary opportunities for real estate investors. We have reported on the effects of these … Read more
Over the past few years the focus of Ocala home decor has changed. Many of us have spent more time than usual in our “castles”. Therefore, we have learned to appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable. As a result, many of us have adapted our dwellings to our needs … Read more
Many have voiced concern about the rapid development of Ocala residential projects. Some have even sought to turn the clock back and return to city and county development plans of the past. However, clearly that ship has sailed. When planners approved the building of the World Equestrian Center, they committed to an expanded rate of … Read more
The Ocala real estate forecast is for strength in intermediate and long terms. Of course, last year one factor drove the real estate market more than any other, rising mortgage rates. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to tamp down inflation.1 Then mortgage interest rates reacted … Read more
While no-one likes to think about disasters we may encounter, an Ocala homeowners insurance policy offers protection, and with it peace of mind. Severe weather, fire, theft, or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe, can wreak havoc. As a result, you may be exposed to thousands of dollars in damages. Is there … Read more
Ocala living is about enjoying the holiday season with family, friends and neighbors. Be proud, of our town. But you don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style, even in these inflationary times. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of … Read more
An Evolving Real Estate Market & Ocala Home Prices Ocala home prices have reached new heights. Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. 1 Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to … Read more
Deciding whether and when buy a home can be daunting if you are first time homebuyers. But in today’s whirlwind market you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership. The real estate boom spawned by the pandemic has pushed home prices to an all-time high.1 Additionally, higher mortgage … Read more
You May Be Pleasantly Surprised By Your Current Home Value! It’s easy to verify how much money you have in your savings account or the real-time value of your stock investments. But determining the dollar value of a home is a far more complex endeavor. As a seller, knowing your home’s value helps you to … Read more
Lower mortgage rates are preferable. But rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. Unfortunately, even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting where rates are headed next.1 This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, … Read more
Ocala home inspections serve a vital purpose in the homebuying process. You may be easily swept up in the excitement of buying a home. Then, once you’ve had an offer accepted, you’ll probably be anxious to move in. However, when proceeding along the route to making a significant financial commitment, it’s best to act prudently … Read more
Ocala real property is about to benefit from economic growth never before imagined in North Central Florida. Thanks go to the projected more than tripling of the contribution the equestrian industry makes to our community. The annual inflation rate in the United States is higher than we would like. But actions taken by the Fed … Read more
Are instant cash offers the future of the real estate market? Technology is changing the way we do almost everything, and real estate transactions are no exception. In fact, a new crop of tech companies wants to revolutionize the way we buy and sell homes. iBuyer startups like Opendoor, Offerpad, and Properly are rapidly expanding … Read more
The process of buying a home can be both exhilarating and exhausting and our Ocala home buying tips are designed to mitigate the latter. Of course, the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have much to do before you are settled into your new home. Fortunately, you … Read more
In this volatile market, what will it take to submit a winning offer? Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers unable to fulfill their dreams of home ownership. But now, with interest rates climbing, many are also feeling … Read more
Today our real estate market faces rising rates which make the cost of mortgage financing more expensive. However, homes are still in short supply and demand is brisk. So where are we headed? The last two years caught many of us off guard, and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the … Read more
The Mindset of Top Ocala Realtors What separates top Ocala Realtors from their fellow professionals? How do you select the one who will serve your needs best? How do you decide who will best deliver on the promise to sell your home quickly and at top value? The hypothesis I will lay before you is … Read more
Ocala ultra luxury living was redefined, if not invented, by developer Ralph L. Roberts. Half a century earlier, Ralph and his partner, Robert Campbell, opened a small freight company in Ohio. When the two purchased a single truck, R&L Trucking was born. Robert and Larry, as Ralph preferred to be called, dreamed of very different … Read more
Many fear that a real estate bubble is upon us, a bubble sure to burst soon. But are such fears justified? According to OMCAR, our local board of Realtors, Ocala housing saw astounding appreciation year over year as of February, 2022. In fact, appreciation exceeded 40% during that time interval. As a result, rents also … Read more
Ocala residential real estate is appreciating at historic speed and affordable housing is becoming scarce. Our city is in the midst of a real estate boom that is likely to be with us for a while. Low inventories of homes listed for sale and high demand have created an aggressive seller’s market. Of course, as … Read more
Real estate investments are ideal wealth building tools. As Mark Twain said, “Invest in land. They are not making any more of it”. Of course, the safest real estate investment is your own home. You and your family need a roof over your heads, a place to feel safe and secure. Therefore, your choice is between owning … Read more
Today Ocala housing demand is off the charts. However, opportunity almost passed us by. Many years ago, an entertainment industry giant imagined a new Ocala. He could see into our future, and what he saw was truly visionary. Marion County would be the second coming of Disneyland, albeit on a much grander scale. Surrounded by … Read more
Ocala model homes feature trendy interior designs created to increase value and attract sales. However, such designs also enhance lifestyle. Additionally, you may find it easier than you imagine to create the atmosphere you desire in your own home. Let me demonstrate with an anecdote. A landlord walked into his tenant’s home. He had just … Read more
If there is one thing certain, it’s that the Ocala sellers market is showing no signs of moderating. Undoubtedly an old adage applies here. The best time to buy a home was yesterday. The second best is today. In our community price appreciation is brisk, while the days competitively priced homes stay on the market … Read more
The Ocala housing market continues to show robust appreciation. Rising prices are fueled by several factors. The historically low inventory of homes for sale is a prime cause. However, demand excelerated by historically low interests rates and economic conditions has a major impact as well. To be sure, the opening of the World Equestrian Center … Read more
With the advent of the pandemic, the Ocala home is becoming the office of choice too. You may have experienced a shift from office centric employment to working from home. Initially most viewed such a shift as being temporary. To be sure, they expected that once the threat of COVID-19 was over, they would return … Read more
Should you move forward with buying a home? Consider that rents are rising and mortgage rates are still hovering near historic lows. As a result, even with upward pressure on home prices, it may be more affordable to buy than rent. But what if you are financially tight, have limited resources and your credit score … Read more
Ocala home appreciation is a function of strong demand and the historically low inventory of homes for sale. Together they may impact affordability in the intermediate to long term. Today we live in times when interest rates are at levels that are unsustainably low as well. Additionally, GNMA estimates that builders must add 3,800,000 housing … Read more
The supply of Ocala area homes continues to be very tight. However, local sellers and buyers are caught in the teeth of a dilemma. We read stories about inflationary forces rearing their ugly heads. Therefore, some are beginning to talk of interest rates soon rising. As a result, we are beginning to see articles written … Read more
The Market for Ocala Single Family Homes Buying Ocala single family homes has become somewhat of an adventure. While we are in a blazing sellers market, we also see an unusual opportunity for homebuyers. Because interest rates continue to hover at historic lows, monthly payments are very affordable. Therefore, this is an extraordinary real estate … Read more
Ocala homes for sale offer opportunities to enjoy life to the fullest. But rarely is romance mentioned as a distinguishing factor of home ownership. However, is a home not a place to escape to? Do you not need sanctuary after a day of pursuing career objectives? Do you not need an escape from doing your … Read more
Upscaling in Ocala can be an exciting adventure. There are options to suit any lifestyle. However, to make the process a wonderful, stress free journey, you would be wise to plan and avoid common mistakes. You will find that the inventory of homes for sale in Ocala is at historic lows and demand is at … Read more
The Ocala vacation home market is a reflection of trends in the United States as a whole. Additionally, it may be a reflection of global trends as well. As of September of 2020, national demand for second homes had climbed 118% year over year. However, by early this year, it had tapered off to a … Read more
Ocala new construction homes offer many advantages over resales. However, the most significant given current market conditions is the availability of inventory. The Inventory of Homes For Sale In Ocala, as in most of our country, the inventory of resale houses is at a historic low. While the pandemic rages on, sellers are reluctant to … Read more
How affordable home ownership is depends on several factors. However, the two that stand above the rest are the cost of housing and the cost of borrowing. Today we are living in a time when the inventory of homes for sale is extremely low, while record low interest rates are causing demand to surge. Therefore, … Read more
For Ocala home buyers, dreaming of a first home is an exciting adventure. However, making a lifestyle change poses challenges. Therefore, you would be wise to plan, do your research and make well thought out choices. Here are the three considerations we believe should be at the top of your list. The Advantages of Buying … Read more
Homes come in all shapes and sizes. This holds true whether we are talking about lot size, square footage, fine detailed finishing touches or the budget required to live in a home. Therefore, as with all of life’s decisions, your choice requires considering many factors and blending them into your definition of a dream home. … Read more
DESPITE COVID-19, OUR UNWELCOME VISITOR, RURAL HOME SALES ARE BOOMING In the face of the pandemic, Ocala continues to evolve into an exciting metropolitan area. As people reconsider the wisdom of living in large urban areas, our countryside is proving a desirable alternative. Therefore, many are drawn to rural communities where social distancing is a … Read more
Today we are living with life threatening health issues and uncertainty as to direction of the world and the Ocala economy. Of course, the Ocala economy is not exempt from the forces at work. The doomsday prophets among economists are predicting an economic contraction unseen since the Great Depression. However, Nobel laureate Paul Krugman is … Read more
Is this a good time to sell or buy? We are living with an economic phase not seen in our lifetimes. Clearly, the Ocala real estate market is feeling the impact. Millions of people are out of work, while the world is grappling with a disease unlike any we have seen before. The COVID-19 infection … Read more